Baptist Pastor Resigns Over Political Flap - May 11, 2005

That’s good he should resign. This is the reason that there is a attempt to separate church and state. We don’t want hardcore religious types running the government if they don’t know the difference between GOD and State. That would be the same situation as ther is in other countries around the world when religious leaders try to force their religious beliefs on the citizens.

Waynesville, NC (AHN) ˝ After creating a furor over his comments to congregation members that those who did not support President George W. Bush should leave the church, an embattled Baptist minister is now doing so himself.

Reverend Chan Chandler tells members he would “cause more hurt for me and my family” by staying as pastor of the East Waynesville Baptist Church.

Nine members of the church say they were pushed out of the congregation because they didnÝt agree with ChandlerÝs Republican political views.

Chandler says, “I am resigning with gratitude in my heart for all of you, particularly those of you who love me and my family.ţ He also says the dispute stems from his strong pro-life views and not politics.

His attorney says Reverend Chandler will continue to speak out against abortion, but is not apologizing for anything he has said.

Some members say Chandler endorsed President Bush from the pulpit during last year’s presidential campaign and said anyone who planned to vote for Democratic nominee Senator John Kerry should “repent or resign.”